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10 Things You Can Learn From Donnie Yen's Ip Man
Martial arts drama film Ip Man (2008) depicts the life of a humble, proud and highly skilled Wing Chun master, Ip Man. Here are 10 things you can learn from him.
Culture Treasury Staff
8/28/20263 min read
2008’s Chinese martial arts drama film Ip Man, starring Chinese action film star Donnie Yen in the titular role, brought the life of Wing Chun-expert martial artist Ip Man to cinema theatres. The movie character of Ip Man (2008) is an inspirational figure, not only for martial arts enthusiasts but for everyone who lives an ethical life in general. He is not portrayed only as a Wing Chun master; various praiseworthy qualities of his personality are also explored in the movie. The real-life Ip Man is also renowned as the teacher of Bruce Lee, one of the most well-known martial artists in the world. Here are 10 things you can learn from Donnie Yen's Ip Man. Spoilers for the martial arts film follow, so read the article only if you have seen Ip Man (2008).
Ip Man is humble and down-to-earth
When the movie starts, one of the first things we notice about Ip Man is that he is humble, despite being considered the best martial artist in the Fo Shan region by its denizens. He is rich, lives in a mansion, but treats everyone respectfully and with kindness, be they sellers of ceramic ware or fruits.
Ip Man loves and respects his wife
Another key character trait: Ip Man has a deep affection and respect for his wife. He listens to her and appreciates her; we don’t see him saying any unkind or harsh words to her for anything, even once.
Ip Man is soft-spoken and speaks only when necessary
Ip Man is polite to everyone. Even in anger, his language does not become foul. He is soft-spoken and does not speak needlessly. He radiates quiet strength.
Ip Man is fiercely protective of his family
Ip Man is a family man, and not just in a loving, caring way; he is fiercely protective of his family. He does not tolerate even the utterance of “little rogue” for his little son from Kam Shan-Chou, the martial artist who came to his house and challenged him to a fight in a disrespectful manner. Later in the film, when the Japanese army officer comes to his home, pointing his pistol at his son, he immediately drags his son towards him and shields him with his body; later, when the Japanese guy moves towards his wife with lascivious intentions, he kicks him on the legs to prevent him from advancing, making him fall on the steps and break his glasses.
Ip Man is a patriot
No matter how many honeyed words General Miura uses, Ip Man is always aware of the fact that the Chinese and the Japanese will not be friends, not after all the atrocities the Japanese have caused. When his countryman and fellow martial artist is shot dead inside the tournament area before his eyes, Ip Man, who usually remains calm and composed, rages from the inside, asks to fight 10 men, and lets out his anger through Wing Chun. He does not take the 10 bags of rice he wins; he takes just the blood-soaked bag of rice his fellow countryman had earned and gives it to the man's family, along with his daily ration of sweet potato.
Ip Man takes help when he truly needs it
Although Ip Man does not like to take favours from anyone, he does take help when he direly needs it. When Master Zealot Lin (Crazy Lin), having seen him hide his portion of food for his family, offers him a portion of sweet potato, Ip Man is grateful and takes it.
Ip Man genuinely respects other talented people
He respects other martial artists. He respects everyone in his town, no matter their station in life.
Ip Man does not like taking favours from anyone
As far as possible, Ip Man wants to stay self-reliant and does not like taking favours from anyone. Earlier in the film, his friend wants him to be a joint business partner. Ip Man, who has already helped him out with money, declines politely. He even holds back from training his friend’s son in Wing Chun, back in peaceful times, before the Japanese invaded.
Ip Man uses his skills to defend and support people
Ip Man uses his martial arts skills to defend people. He does not abuse his physical strength and skills. He does not have time for people who think martial arts is just about beating other people up so that you could feel superior to them.